Indian American International Chamber of Commerce launches Mid-Atlantic chapter

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Washington DC: The Government of the District of Columbia has identified India as one of its key partners for trade opportunities, said its Director of International Trade and Commerce, Andres Hayes, on October 20, 2022, at the Marion Barry Building.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce (IAICC), Hayes said, “We selected countries that we knew that we wanted to collaborate or enhance the relationship that we currently have. And India is one of those countries,” out of 23. Hayes said D.C. is currently focusing on innovation, healthcare, life science, IT, cybersecurity, hospitality and tourism to attract foreign direct investment.

Hayes told News India Times, “It is an honor, a privilege for us to be here today, as this will strengthen our relationship between the City and the country of India. We want to make sure that we take it to the next level by identifying industry sectors where we can work together for the benefit of our businesses and communities.”

The new IAICC’s Chapter, which will cover DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

“By the authority vested in me by the Executive Board of IAICC, I hereby declare the formation of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of IAICC,” stated KV Kumar, Executive Chairman of IAICC, as part of his inaugural address. Kumar extended an invite to IAICC’s 2023 Convention and 30th Anniversary Celebrations to be held from March 29-31 next year, in Washington, D.C.

Mayor of D.C. Muriel Bowser, in a message to IAICC, said, “As Mayor of Washington DC, it is my pleasure to extend congratulations to the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce as you launch your Mid-Atlantic Chapter,” adding, “Indian American entrepreneurs are vital to the economic vitality of Washington DC, and beyond. We are absolutely delighted to welcome the IAICC’s Chapter to our region.”

Chairman & CEO, IAICC Mid-Atlantic Region Shankar Rachakonda, noted that IAICC’s mission is to create commerce and to influence policy. The focus will be on economic development and opportunity-creation with a particular focus on Indo-U.S. collaboration.

Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Ben de Guzman, noted that the Asian and Pacific Islander community, which includes Indian American and South Asian residents and business owners, is the fastest growing ethnic group in the country and in D.C.

Congratulating IAICC, Second Secretary (Political and Climate Change), Abhimanyu Gahlaut, representing the Embassy of India, said, “I can see that your organization is doing excellent work and I’m sure that the new chapter will also continue the excellent work that your organization is already doing.”

Member, IAICC Board of Trustees, Suresh Ramachandra, noted, “Even before anybody was thinking about renewable energy, we had a Renewable Energy Conference 10 years ago in D.C.” He also lauded Kumar’s work in the area of small business development.

Vice Chairman & Secretary of IAICC Executive Board, Glenn Falcao, informed, “We will be introducing 15 more chapters over the next year. Our mission is to strengthen the ties between the two largest democracies in the world – United States and India.”

President, IAICC-USA, Achyut Allady, reiterated that, “The members of IAICC are on a mission and are focused.”

Director of Regulatory Finance, Office of the People’s Counsel in D.C., Naunihal Gumer, and International Affairs and Protocol Officer of the DC Mayor’s Office, Christine Warnke, also spoke. IAICC Executive Board member, Dr. Anu Bhat, delivered the vote of thanks.

Other attendees included President of IAICC Forum on Women in Business and Leadership, Dr. Nandini Selvam, IAICC Vice Chairman, Executive Board, Dr. Narasimhulu Neelagaru, Vice-Chairman, SE Region, Dr. Subrahmanya Bhat, government officials, and entrepreneurs.